Back in 2009, Renault became the first F1 team to commit to using KERS. At that time, Pat Symonds, team Renault’s engineering head, stated, “We believe obviously that [KERS is] a positive performance advantage otherwise we wouldn’t be running it.”
The Red Bull Racing team is the current reigning Formula One champion in both the drivers’ and constructors’ categories, and looks poised to repeat the feat this season, too. We’re not surprised that Red Bull opted to renew the deal. Wouldn’t you?
September 09, 2011
Red Bull Racing and Renault Sport F1 are pleased to confirm the extension of their successful partnership for a further five years. The new fuel efficient 1.6L V6-turbo power unit to be introduced from 2014 will be incorporated into the framework of an enhanced collaboration.
Building upon the existing world championship winning partnership, Renault Sport F1 will continue to supply V8 engines and KERS Motor Generator Units to Red Bull Racing for 2012 and 2013, with the new agreement repositioning the relationship between Red Bull Racing and Renault to a premium technical co-operation.
Within the new agreement, a technical joint venture will be set up, in which Red Bull Technology and Renault Sport F1 will collaborate to develop innovative technical solutions for the V6-based power unit that will be introduced from 2014. Red Bull Technology and Renault Sport F1 will contribute their respective know-how, experience and specialist personnel to the project to achieve a competitive and reliable power train to be used by Red Bull Racing and other customer teams.
Bernard Rey, President of Renault Sport F1, commented, “We are delighted that the Red Bull Racing-Renault partnership has been extended for a further five years, which will take us to a decade of collaboration. Red Bull Racing and Renault share the views that stability is a fundamental condition to perform at the top levels of competition. As well as being a unique opportunity to showcase the performance of the Renault engines at the highest possible level, it is also a fantastic arena to develop the technology and expertise within the Renault-Nissan Alliance.”
Jean-François Caubet, Managing Director of Renault Sport F1, added, “The V6 power units due to be introduced from 2014 represent a huge undertaking and to have the input, resources and vast in-house F1 car expertise of Red Bull Technology will help the team at Renault Sport F1 in Viry-Châtillon specify, design and develop a competitive unit from the start of the new regulations and optimize its structural integration into the chassis. Having this particular support will of course be to the advantage of our other team partners, who will indirectly benefit from the joint expertise of the Red Bull Racing and Renault Sport F1.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal, said: “We’re obviously thrilled to announce this significantly enhanced agreement with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, who we have enjoyed a close working relationship with since 2007. Renault Sport F1 has always been very straight-forward to work with, which has been a contributing factor to the on-going success of the Red Bull Racing-Renault partnership. Together we have so far achieved 22 wins, 32 pole positions, 1130.5 World Championship points and two World Championships. As the relationship moves forward, we intend to build on this and look forward to working with the Renault-Nissan Alliance during future Formula One World Championship campaigns.”
The Red Bull Racing-Renault collaboration started in 2007 and has since matured into one of the most successful chassis-engine partnerships. The crowning moment came in 2010 with the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. At present Red Bull Racing-Renault leads the Constructors’ Championship with 131 points, while reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel leads the Drivers’ title race.
